Heather + Margaux
One of the most magical things about adventure elopements is the fact that you + your partner can exchange your vows in a location that has significance to you. You are not constrained by traditional “venues”!
Heather + Margaux chose to have an adventure elopement because they wanted to be out in nature, where they have had so many significant moments together [such as a weeklong camping trip in Banff !], and they wanted it to be in Oregon, where their relationship began. Margaux + Heather met online, while Margaux has been in an exchange program for school from France. It was as close to “love at first sight” as could be imagined, and it didn’t take long for these two to know that they had found their person.
Setting off shortly after a dreamy PNW sunrise, we hit the trail to Cooper Spur; the highest point on Mount Hood that is accessible by trail. We were joined by officiant Stacy Garfield, and Margaux + Heather’s pup, Piper!
With the crisp mountain air surrounding us, we followed Heather + Margaux’s lead up the side of Mount Hood. Piper was such a good sport, and Margaux mused that he joined the two of them for most of their outdoor adventures here in the Pacific Northwest! It was a natural choice to dub him “Best Dog”.
It warms our hearts so completely when couples don’t have to stick with the formalities that traditional weddings sometimes entail. A wedding party? No wedding party? A “Best Dog”?! Whatever you + your partner desire for such a special day is what the two of you should do!
Heather + Margaux wanted to include some fun wedding elements in their adventure elopement, such as a champagne toast, a first dance, and a picnic at the summit, with the stunning geography of Oregon and Washington on display.
Once we had reached our destination, the summit was where these two would say their vows. It was so empowering watching them conquer the uphill hike in their wedding dresses, their backpacks adorned with pride flags and a vessel for their champagne!
While Margaux + Heather exchanged vows, I will admit I shed some tears. There is something so inherently special to be able to have the privilege to witness such an emotional event in a couple’s life, and their passion for each other was absolutely palpable.
Once everyone was fueled up from the 7 mile hike up Mount Hood, we headed back down the mountainside; the summer sun hanging high in the sky. Heather + Margaux would spend the rest of their elopement day in an Airbnb at the base of Mount Hood, complete with a jacuzzi to soothe the aching muscles that inevitably come with such an uphill hike!
We felt honored to be a part of Margaux + Heather’s adventure elopement that was spent doing exactly what they wanted to do: tackling a hike on the highest peak of Oregon! Whether your elopement day includes a 10 mile hike or just a short stroll to your ceremony spot, it is equally special because it is the day YOU chose.
